Monday, December 01, 2008

Ruby Tuesday

I thought for my first Ruby Tuesday post I would write about Advent Calendars.

An Advent calendaris a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Advent is from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming." Some calendars are strictly religious, whereas others are secular in content.

The ones that I came across in the stores this season were very different, and much more elaborate, than the ones I used to know which were paper calendars and simpler.

Here are 3 (with lots of RED) I photographed at Target a few days ago. Parents put small gifts or candies in each drawer one of which is opened every day during Advent.

The origins of the Advent calendar come from German Lutherans who, at least as early as the beginning of the 19th century, would count down the 24 days of Advent physically. Often this meant simply drawing a chalk line on the door each day, beginning on December 1. Some families had more elaborate means of marking the days, such as lighting a new candle (perhaps the genesis of today's Advent wreath) or hanging a little religious picture on the wall each day.

The first known Advent calendarwas handmade in 1851.

The number of doors can also increase to twenty five or twenty six to cover Christmas Day, Hanukkah and Boxing Day, and further to thirty one or thirty two to include New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. This latter act was particularly evident over December 1999, counting down to January 1, 2000.

So what will be your first Ruby Tuesday post during the holiday season? Remember you can post on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, or the Winter Solstice or Winter or anything you like.

I have created a few different Ruby Tuesday badges for you to use, if you like, during this holiday season:

I love this first wooden one. It is a little bit "vintage". Very traditional. Perfect for the 1st of december.Advent calendars are well-known here. Many children have their own chocolate calendar. Playmobil toys company makes its calendar with a little toy in it for each day from 1st to 25th december. Don't you have this one in stores?It's an impossible mission to make my near 4 years old son understand he can't eat all chocolates the same day!

Lovely calendars. Advent calendars are of course big in Sweden too, since the 60ies there's the Advent calendar show on TV and on radio for children, more or less well made shows every year from Dec 1-24. They very much reflect the times and can be great fun for adults too.

So many memories Mary! My kids especially loved these. I always looked for the ones when you opened the paper number there was a piece of candy behind.It's hard to believe it's time for Christmas. I'm so looking forward to seeing what everyone posts today.Mine's up - my Grandbaby - what else. :)

Mine is scheduled to post right after midnight. Happy RT!I remember having an advent calendar as a kid. There was 24 numbered little windows and behind each was a little chocolate. You'd open the window number corresponding with the date it was that morning. It was yummy. I'll try to look for it in German or Polish store around here, if they still sell them, and take a pic :o)

That's nice ! You know all my life since I can think I had an advent calender it was and is the use in Germany since the 18 hundred something. When I moved to Belgium it was hard to get one for our little son, but my mother always send one each year. Now you find them everywhere !

I've never had an advent calendar. I don't know why.I recognized those shelf labels from Target from a mile away, though.I can't do Mr. Linky today for some reason, but my post is up at It's A Blog Eat Blog WorldHo Ho HOmo

I have really fond memories of using an advent calendar when I was a kid. My great-aunt would mail me one each year. I wish she would still send them even though I'm long since grown up -- doesn't seem right to buy my own. :)

I've posted my Ruby Tuesday. It's not overtly holiday-related, but it was a game we played last week on Thanksgiving Day.

I love this new look for the site. Loads very slowly, but looks great. And the photos are beautiful and educational as well. I had no idea there were wooden things for parents to fill. Guess I don't get out much. They look adorable.

Hello, what a wonderful post..There is one very importantAdvents Calendar you have to add. They are filled with chocolates;-)One chocolate for everyday in December. Made in Germany and by Lindt in Switzerland.A gift to my children and now to my grandchildren. - Cheers.

Mary, you have found the nice (and red) way to count down to Christmas. I am more laid back about it. All I have to do is go to church on Sunday and our minister will be preaching on the correct count down day. When he runs out it is Christmas.

I am late getting it up, but my Ruby Tuesday is now on JIM'S LITTLE BLOG tonight. Go there from my profile. I'll keep it up for a while. :-)..